Queensland Parliament Question Time blog: Action taken over shocking run of mine deaths
Almost every mine and quarry worker has undergone a safety reset across Queensland following six deaths across the industry in 12 months, Mines Minister Anthony Lynham has revealed.
ALMOST every mine and quarry worker has undergone a safety reset across Queensland.
Mines Minister Anthony Lynham this morning revealed more than 49,400 workers had taken part in 1,115 safety resets at more than 219 worksites.
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The reset was initiated by industry and the State Government in July after six deaths across the industry in 12 months and was to be completed by the end of August.
There are about 50,000 workers across the state.
Dr Lynham said it represented 96 per cent of workers, with Rio Tinto having advised they were yet to complete the reset at their Weipa operation.
“They have more than a thousand workers, in 88 crews, at three operations across 4000 square kilometres,” he said.
“I acknowledge it is a huge task.
“They expect to finish by the end of this month.
“I am advised that the remaining small percentage of the industry who have not attended resets are itinerant or campaign-based quarry workers or people employed on alluvial and small scale mines - across several hundred sites.”
The Government yesterday introduced a Bill which proposes establishing Resources Safety and Health Queensland as an independent body from the Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Department to focus on the safety and health of all resources workers.
Dr Lynham this morning said if any worker had not had an opportunity to participate in a reset, then to raise the issue with their union or employer.
“This is just the beginning – as every shift should be when it comes to safety,” he said.
“Workers, unions, industry and government must all continue to work tirelessly so that every worker returns home safely after every shift.”
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